Most of us don’t mind that occasional ant on the kitchen floor, but what about a whole family of them? It’s a scary thought, but it’s actually quite normal to have ants in the house. You may have noticed them scavenging in the kitchen looking for food, or marching in a line around your house. It’s no wonder that ants are so commonplace; there are over 10,000 species of ants found all over the world.
Ants are considered vital to an ecosystem as they break down organic materials and spread plants’ seeds. Because they’re so small and adaptable, they can live almost anywhere and are highly resistant to human interventions. In a domestic setting, an ant infestation is primarily caused by two things: food and entry points.
Ants are always on the lookout for a food source, and small crumbs, spillages and other food waste are a strong attractant. Piles of rubbish and pet food can also be a draw. If these food sources are left unchecked, it’s likely that the house will become home to a large number of ants. Poorly maintained front and back doors, window frames and weep-holes are all potential entry points for ants, too.
The good news is that it’s fairly straightforward to both prevent and remove infestations. -Firstly, make sure all food sources are disposed of correctly in the bin and that all surfaces have been thoroughly cleaned. Damp cloths and an antibacterial cleaner can be used to make sure there are no crumbs or oils left for the ants to feed on.
Secondly, it’s important to seal any cracks and crevices in doors and windows. Special weather-stripping sealant can be bought from most hardware stores and can fill any gaps, obstructing any ant entryways.
Finally, some pesticides are mild enough to be used within the home but they should always be used with caution. Areas with pets and children should be avoided, and instructions should be followed to the letter.
Identifying the species
It’s important to be able to identify the ant species in order to choose the correct treatment. Carpenter ants, for example, can bring with them an array of damage. They tunnel through wood and may cause deep burrowing if left unchecked. Little black ants are rare to cause problems but can still be an annoyance.
Pharaoh ants, on the other hand, can cause serious health issues if ingested, and it’s important to spot them immediately. It’s also important to remember that due to their tiny size, a few ants may end up going unnoticed if not treated properly.
For advice on how to handle a particular ant species, it may be wise to seek professional help. Pest control experts are able to deliver safe and targeted treatments, reducing your chance of a re-infestation.
Once an ant infestation has been taken care of, it’s important to remain vigilant. As outlined earlier, ant infestations start with food sources and entry points and it may take more than one treatment to get rid of them. So, it’s important to make sure to keep on top of food disposal and door maintenance.
Natural pest control
If you prefer not to use pesticides to treat your ant problem, there are a few natural methods that can be quite effective. Cleaning up any food sources, as previously mentioned, is one way.
Natural predators, such as spiders, toads, and lizards, can also play a significant role in keeping an ant population in check. Obviously these can’t always be welcomed into your home, but you could consider adding some habitat outside your house to encourage these animals.
For sweet-feedings ants, you can also try using boric acid. Boric acid is a naturally occurring element and is found in some plants. You can sprinkle this in the area where you’ve spotted the ants. Just make sure that it’s out of the reach of children and pets.
Finally, something as simple as a spray of white vinegar or essential oils can be effective in warding off ants. A mixture of white vinegar, bi-carb and peppermint oil can be particularly effective. Spray the solution in any known or potential entry points or areas where you’ve previously spotted ants.
Should You Worry?
In most cases, ants are more of a nuisance than a major health concern; however, it doesn’t hurt to know the risks associated with an ant infestation. Pharaoh, carpenter, and fire ants, in particular, can cause a range of problems, ranging from allergic reactions to bites and stings.
For some people, even the sight of an ant may bring distress so it’s important to take a few steps to prevent infestations and to get rid of any ants that have entered the house.
It may also be useful to know that ants can be beneficial to a home. They can act as an indicator for some problems such as leaks or pest infestations. If you notice many ants present in a certain area, chances are, something is triggering them to be there. Identifying and solving the problem can avoid potential health risks down the line.
Signs of Severe Infestation
A few ants here and there don’t usually mean there is an infestation, but sometimes an ant problem can spiral quickly if left unchecked. There are a few signs to watch out for that could signal a severe infestation:
- A large number of ants visible around your living area
- Lots of ant trails leading to food sources or potentially other nests
- Noticeable damage to wood, walls or flooring caused by ants tunneling and burrowing
- Swarms of flying ants around your home, these are generally new queens looking to set up a new colony
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to act quickly and seek professional help. Pest control services can quickly identify the type of ant and the scale of the infestation, allowing for a fast and effective treatment.
Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re dealing with an ant infestation, there are a few mistakes to avoid. Firstly, don’t use a regular fly spray or household cleaner to get rid of the ants. Most of these solutions are not designed to get rid of ants and can actually end up making the problem worse.
Secondly, do not attempt to use a method of pest control that is deemed dangerous or illegal. Even if the solution seems reliable and effective, it’s important to remember that some solutions can be hazardous and illegal; doing so could result in significant legal repercussions.
It’s also important to remember that it may take multiple treatments to completely rid your house of ants. Some solutions may kill only a few ants, while others will get rid of the entire colony. In any case, it’s important to follow up any treatment with preventative measures such as keeping all food sources out of reach and securing any possible entry points.
Prevention is Key
At the end of the day, prevention is the best way to avoid an ant infestation. Making sure to clean up any food sources and seal any potential entry points can go a long way in keeping an ant problem at bay.
It’s also important to be vigilant and spot any evidence of an infestation early. In many cases, this can help you get rid of the problem before it takes hold. Finally, if you do find yourself dealing with an ant problem, it’s important to remember that it’s not uncommon. It is possible to get rid of an ant infestation without resorting to potentially dangerous or illegal solutions.
